The Floating Green at the Coeur d'Alene Resort, the world's only movable floating golf green, on underwater cables

United StatesJuly 11, 20133 min read

Dateline July 11, 2013, Coeur d'Alene and the Floating Green

United States Idaho 2013 Travel Golf #idaho #coeur-dalene #coeur-dalene-resort #floating-green #famous-courses #going-west-2013

As we pulled into Coeur d'Alene we were looking for a campground when we realized we were right next to the famous golf course. We turned in just to take a look. We parked, walked over to the pro shop for some information, and yes, the famous floating green is impossible to miss as you walk up. The assistant golf professional behind the counter was friendly and very nice, a recent college graduate. She gave us the rates and the available times. The price was stiff, but we decided we could not pass it up, and booked 8:50 the next morning.

The staff recommended a campground, and we headed there for the evening. In the morning we drove straight to the course. Our fore-caddy met us at the "roving hotel" (the Roadtrek), put our clubs on the cart, and took us over to the pro shop to check in. For those not familiar with golf, a fore-caddy is different from a regular caddy: he doesn't carry the clubs, he just helps with direction, watches the ball, and carries putters part of the time. It was a little windy but a beautiful morning, and we were ready for the experience.

The course was in impeccable condition. Staff were out hand-watering all the playing areas except the fairways, which were watered at night. Other staff walked the fairways with buckets, filling divots as they went. Unbelievable. The holes were beautiful and very memorable.

Fairways lined with pines, lake views from every direction, flawless greens.

Coming down the 6th hole, out of the woods on the left came two very young fawns, jumping and playing across the fairway. They were so playful and so on cue that we thought for a moment they had been arranged by the resort.

We watched them for maybe five minutes. Then out of the woods came their mother, to inform them it was time to move on.

We played on, and then came the famous 14th, the floating green.

Janice and John at the floating-green tee sign

For those not familiar: the length of the hole can be adjusted from about 100 yards to over 200, with the entire green pulled into position by underwater cables. We played the hole. Janice hit the green. A small boat then takes you out to the green to putt.

Janice made her par.

The floating green is impeccably maintained, and the views from out there, with the sailboats on the lake behind, are spectacular.

We finished the round and had lunch. A wonderful day. We were so glad we had taken the chance to play. Janice's verdict, sitting at lunch: the course, the condition, and the experience were better than playing Pebble Beach. She has played Pebble a number of times, so the bar was a serious one.

On to Seattle.

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